Burglars rob, hurt 10 OFWs in Trinidad

PORT of SPAIN, Trinidad – Ten overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Trinidad, West Indies were robbed and attacked by a group of thieves inside their house on Wednesday night.

Eight construction workers and 2 farm workers were asleep at around 10 p.m. when 6 men armed with guns and knives stormed into their house demanding money and other valuables.

Farm worker Roel Borromeo, 28, was badly hurt with stab wounds in the head and body. Three others were stabbed and kicked.

One worker managed to jump out of their house’s window and ran across the field to a neighbor to call for help.

Although police responded immediately and used tracker dogs and even a national security helicopter, the bandits managed to get away taking cell phones, cameras, money that the workers have been saving, and even a passport.

Eight of the victims have been working for PCCL Construction Company, owned by Gavin Seemungal, for almost 2 years. The other 2 just arrived 6 months ago.

The Filipinos said the traumatic experience could have been prevented since they have complained many times to their employer about their unsafe accommodation.

One of the victims, Richard Beerquin, said thieves have stolen things from their house at least 4 times, and they filed a police report. But this time, it was more than just a robbery.

“Naging bayolente ngayon kasi kung ang bahay sana ay katulad nang may mga bakal na ‘pag may bumundul hindi agad masisira. Pero ‘yung bahay namin, ‘pag binangga mo sira,” Beerquin said.

One of the houses the workers lived in used to be a horse barnyard. Both housing facilities have no adequate security.

The Filipinos have since left the area and are now staying with friends in different parts of Trinidad.

They have not gone back to work.

“Ang hinihingi namin sa company, gusto namin lumipat sa safe na lugar. Kasi nangyari na yung trahedya so ang hinihingi namin ngayon na hindi na mangyari uli. Pero ang sabi ng boss namin, doon pa rin kami titira. Ipi-fix lang n’ya ang bahay,” one of the injured Filipinos said.

The workers said they would rather return home to the Philippines than be put in danger again.

The workers have contacted the Honorary Consul General in Trinidad, Dr. Marie Advani. The Consul General is already coordinating with the Philippine embassy in Caracas, Venezuela to get help for the workers.

Meanwhile, Trinidad police have yet to identify the thieves. –Lenn Almadin-Thornhill, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau